Web Finds

I recently had Lasik eye surgery so I have been giving my eyes a little break from crafting this last week. In the meantime enjoy some fun web finds. I will be be back very soon with great new crafts! 


What an easy and beautiful dessert for a party.


I need to make one of these pretty coffee filter wreaths.


I love the geometric design added to these cork boards.



Great simple idea of framing cloth napkins.


Such a pretty princess party table.


Make a tray with fabric and a baking sheet.


I love no sew ideas that look great!


Bees for spring, perfect!

Check back soon for our next tutorial!

XOX, 

The Rebel Crafter

Antiqued and Distressed Bench




I recently posted about my practicing how to paint and distress using Annie Sloan chalk paint and wax. I used this same paint and technique on the Antique Dollar Store Tray project. The bench obviously took longer than the tray, but in the end I am happy with the results. I have already moved on to painting a side table, and have plans for a dresser. While I am planning on selling these pieces, I am finding I am getting attached to this bench and may keep it. I am still very new to painting with chalk paint, but I can say with certainty that the learning curve is quick. You can use this same "old white" paint technique on any furniture you would like to update.

For this project you will need:

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White (or your preferred chalk paint brand)

Annie Sloan Soft Wax-Clear

Annie Sloan Soft Wax-Dark

Paint Brush

Brush for applying wax.

Sand paper (I used a 250 grit pad)

Cheesecloth

Buffing cloth (Tshirt, towel etc.)

I purchased this bench on Craigslist. I liked its shape. Annie Sloan's book  suggests looking for antique or reproduction pieces that lend themselves well to the distressed look. 


Start by either washing your piece or do a light sanding. I lightly sanded the piece which removed the old varnish. Annie Sloan paint says you do not need to prime unless the piece is greasy. Sanding is always a safe bet for removing dirt.



Paint your first coat of Old White. Start by painting the piece upside down. If you start upside down you will not miss any spots this way. Let dry.


Paint a second coat of old white if needed. On oak or dark wood two coats will be needed.

Wash your brush in water.


Once your paint is dry use your sand paper or sand paper pad to distress edges on the piece. I run sand paper along the arms the tops and sides. Sand the area randomly, but where you think the piece would naturally become distressed. Make sure to sand the corners or raised areas that would naturally get bumped. This distressing will reveal some of the wood below.


Once distressed you can start with the wax. You want to work in a small area of the piece. Don't work in too big of an area or the wax will dry too quickly on you.

Start by applying a small amount of clear wax with a brush to a smaller section of your piece. Next wipe away any excess with cheesecloth while rubbing the wax into the area. You will notice your paint will start to look much different.

Next go over the same area with the dark wax. Dab on the dark wax with your brush making sure to get it into the grooves of the piece. Wipe off with cheesecloth.

Here you can see the piece half waxed.


Continue the last two steps until your piece is done.

Wash your wax brush in mineral spirits and rinse.


When your piece is all waxed you need to let it dry 24 hours and then buff it with a soft cloth or a shoe shine brush.
The piece should be smooth and hard. If it is at all slightly sticky then you applied too much wax. Remove some with mineral spirits, or try soap and water and a scrub pad, and then rebuff.


I link up at these parties:


Check back soon for our next tutorial!

XOX,

The Rebel Crafter



Web Finds

Here are some fun web finds. Just click on the link below the photo to take you to their sites.


A wreath to celebrate Spring!


How to make your own seed  paper.

Great little girl leggings!

Great photography tips for up close shots. 

Butterscotch...yum...

How to turn a child's toy into a sculpture.

Sweet little crochet baby hats.



Check back soon for our next tutorial!


XOX,

The Rebel Crafter

Fancy Dog Collar


I wanted to make our dog Bella a cute springtime collar. I recently put hair bows on picture frames and thought I'd do the same thing on her dog collar. The only thing you need for this project is a collar (I purchased mine from the dollar store), and a tulle pouf. I chose the pink flower gem pouf from the headband making supplies area at Michael's. I liked the hair accessories poufs because they are light weight (my dog is small), and they are also mounted onto a felt background (as opposed to a pin) so it makes it easy to hand sew onto the collar. The only hard part of this project was trying to get Bella to sit still for a good photo!

For this project you will need:

Dog Collar-I purchased mine from the Dollar Tree store. 

*If you have trouble finding the right size $1 dog collar buy one a little larger and cut a couple inches off to customize. You can then use a lighter to melt the nylon end so it will not fray. You can also use an awl to make an extra hole on the collar.

Tulle Pouf (I purchased mine from Michael's. They have a headband making area and you will find many choices there.  

Needle and Thread




Line up where you would want your pouf. I chose on the side of the collar after the sparkly band. 

Use the metal plate sewn onto the felt as the base of the flower to hand sew onto the collar. Lock your thread through the base and then stitch it onto the collar. The material was surprisingly very easy to get a needle through.





I link up at these parties:

Check back soon for our next tutorial!

XOX,

The Rebel Crafter
Pin It

Easy Plaid Cuff


I know I just recently posted a daisy cuff, but I couldn't resist making another spring inspired cuff today. I stopped into Michael's to pick up some shrinky dink material for a future craft when I spotted the plaid cuff in their spring jewelry supplies area. I used a jean material flower pin for the top of the cuff, but any pin or pendant will work. Don't forget to use your 40% off coupon toward the cuff or pin/pendant to keep the cost low.


For this project you will need:


Plaid Cuff (Michael's Crafts) You could also make your own by Mod Podging fabric to a plain cuff which they also sell.


Fabric Flower Pendant/Pin (Michael's Crafts)


Wire Snips


Gorilla Super Glue (or other krazy type glue that will bond both fabric and metal).





Remove the bale and pin finding off of the back of the flower. Wire snips work well. You can easily pry these off.


Find the flat part of the pin and apply a liberal amount of glue. You can also "rough up" the metal slightly with sandpaper so the glue adheres well.


Center the flower and press well until the flower is in place.

Let dry 24 hours.



I link up at these parties:

Check back soon for our next tutorial!

XOX,

The Rebel Crafter


Pin It

Web Finds



A fast "wow" looking cake using a store bought unfrosted one.


Petite bunny silhouette picture.


Pretty crepe paper flower tutorial.


Nice looking Bonjour stenciled pillow.


Change the look of inexpensive plastic eggs.


Love this bee table using a graphics transfer method. 


I love mint and chocolate, it's always a winner.
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day-treat.html


Check back soon for our next tutorial!


XOX,


The Rebel Crafter

Silk Tie Easter Eggs




Friday night was my monthly scrapbooking club night. Our founder Jodie brought in her Silk Tie Easter Eggs to show us and to demonstrate how to make them. You need 100% silk ties that you can find at Goodwill, garage sales, or maybe old ones in your Husbands closet. I took my egg home and my Daughter was definitely interested in trying this technique so I thought I would share how we made them. 

You will need:

Eggs

100% Silk Tie

Vinegar

Stainless steel or aluminum pot (use one you do not care about as the dye may stain the pot. I used a pot I only make soap with).

Duct Tape, Pipe Cleaners, or rubber bands.


Cut your tie apart.

Cut a piece of fabric that fits around the egg. 

Get the fabric good and tight around the egg.

Secure the back with a small piece of duct tape.

Twist the ends and again secure with a small piece of duct tape. Make sure the duct tape is covering just a little of the egg. 

You can also tie with string, pipe cleaners, or rubber bands. I just found the duct tape to be fast and easy. Make sure the fabric is snug on the egg.



Place in a stainless or enamel pot with enough water to cover the eggs. 

Add a few tablespoons of vinegar.

Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.


Let cool and unwrap your egg.

Shine your egg with a little vegetable oil. These eggs are for display only, I would not eat.



I link up at these parties:

Check back soon for our next tutorial!

XOX,

The Rebel Crafter

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